You are here

House Defeats Measure to Gut Endangered Species Act

(05/05/1997) - Washington, D.C. - The House this evening defeated by a vote of
227-196 legislation proposed by Representatives Richard Pombo (R-CA) and Wally
Herger (R- CA) that would have permanently waived the Endangered Species Act for
nearly every flood-control-related activity and facility including huge
hydropower dams.

Rodger Schlickeisen, President of Defenders of Wildlife, said,
"The House has just recorded its most significant environmental vote of the
105th Congress. It represents a big victory for conservation because the bill
endangered more than wildlife - reason and common sense were also on the line.
The House did not buy the false argument that the interests of endangered
species conflict with the protection of human life and property."

In rejecting Pombo's bill, H.R. 478, the House approved a much
narrower provision that will allow necessary repairs to go forward in declared
disaster areas while still protecting threatened and endangered species.
Representatives Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Vic Fazio (D-CA) offered the
successful substitute.

Although the vote on the House side elated conservationists,
the news was not good from the Senate, where a measure that will allow
roadbuilding in wilderness areas and refuges narrowly passed.

###

Contact(s):

Cat Lazaroff, (202) 772-3270

You may also be interested in:

Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls are one of three subspecies of the ferruginous pygmy-owl. They have longer tails than most owls, are reddish-brown with a cream colored belly and have a crown that is lightly streaked.